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Italian Iced Tea

Summer time treats are appreciated all around the world, especially when it’s hot and sticky out. Rome in July is not just hot, it’s HOT. The closeness of the buildings, the throngs of humanity, the lack of American air-conditioning, the traffic and the smoke are just some of the things that make it Hot in La Citta Eterna. One way to refresh yourself is to go to any one of the little corner cafes and bars that you will see.

Italians don’t drink as much soda as Americans. They prefer their drinks less sweet, (and with less ice cubes.) One such drink is an Italian Iced Tea. Not to be confused with the alcohol laden Long Island Iced Tea, this drink is an entirely different animal.

The Italian Iced Tea is made with two ingredients. Unsweetened homemade iced tea and a scoop of lemon ice. The lemon ice is much like what you would find at a carnival with a snow cone kind of flavor.

The drink is served in a glass. A. Real. Glass. They put a scoop of the lemon ice into the glass and then pour iced tea into the glass until it’s about 2/3 filled. They will serve it to you on a silver tray. (Really. Even in simple local bars.) Usually, it is accompanied with a slightly salty and savory snack. (Nuts, small pieces of focaccia bread, or tiny crackers, for example.) The drink is served with a spoon in case you want to scoop the ice out and eat it first. It won’t be as cold as you would get here in the States, but it is a refreshing drink all the same.

This is one of the best parts of being in Italy. Ordering a drink like this gives you a chance to rest your aching feet and People Watch. There is no where else in the world that is more exciting to sit and Watch the World Go By. The fountains and the people and music and the booths are all there for you to enjoy. The view is like no other you will ever see. Breathe in the heat of Italy and carry it home with you!

About me.

Cynthia Dite Sirni is a writer. Her freelance writing and consultant work range from technical to topical. Food, travel, and fashion are the driving force behind her pen. Scrivo, her blog is Italian for "I write."
When she is not writing, she is investigating new ways to keep Italy in her heart. Driven by a love of wine and starch products, she searches the globe for The Perfect Dish of Macaroni.